New Aquaman: Power Wave water coaster ready for 150-foot splashdown at Six Flags Over Texas

SCREAM BREAK

Photo courtesy of Six Flags Over Texas

Adrenaline junkies, get in line and prepare to get drenched: The long-awaited new Aquaman: Power Wave water coaster is officially opening at Six Flags Over Texas on March 11.

The revolutionary new roller coaster is touted as the first of its kind in North America.

It's a multi-launch "water coaster" that propels riders in two 20-passenger boats back and forth along a 2,000-foot track and up two 150-foot towers. Then, riders are held, face down, at 90 degrees before being thrust 63 miles per hour straight down.

Then, splash! The ride comes to a thrilling end with a plunge into a giant water wave. (Watch a video demo of it here.)

Aquaman: Power Wave is Six Flags Over Texas' 14th coaster.

Aquaman: Power Wave will be open during Scream Break evening hours.Photo courtesy of Six Flags Over Texas

Its grand opening comes in conjunction with Six Flags’ spring break week, including special "Scream Break" evening events.

Scream Break will take place every night from 9 pm-12 am, March 11-18. Visitors who aren’t afraid of the dark can experience two haunted houses, a designated scare zone, a freakshow, and other spooky activities that are unavailable in the daylight.

Richard Douaihy, the president of Six Flags Over Texas, says in a release that spring break is one of the best times during the year to visit the park.

“We are always filled with joy to see legions of fans and their families creating lasting memories at our park, and the classic Spring Break and new Scream Break events are sure to deliver such moments,” he says.

Besides Aquaman: Power Wave, other thrilling amusement rides such as Mr. Freeze (which is celebrating its 25th anniversary at the park) will also be open at night.

Nighttime attractions that will be available during Scream Break include:

Aquaman: Power Wave
Batman: The Ride
Catwoman Whip
Mr. Freeze
The Riddler Revenge
Texas SkyScreamer
Arania’s Murder Mansion haunted house
Labsics classified haunted house
Killer Clowns Scare Zone
Freakshow – The Ringmaster Presents

Scream Break tickets can be purchased separately or added to any single-day ticket or pass for $39.99 per person. Tickets can be found at sixflags.com.

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'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

These are the 14 best things to do in Fort Worth this weekend

Weekend Event Planner

This weekend in and around Fort Worth can almost be broken down into three categories. Theater leads the way, with three new local productions and a festival. Music comes next, with outdoor concerts, classical music, rock, country, and more. Last but not least are art openings, including two music-related ones and one dedicated to a mid-century master.

Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, June 1

Amphibian Stage presents SparkFest
Amphibian Stages' SparkFest features a variety of events, workshops, performances, staged readings, and parties over a two-week period. The first weekend kicks off on Thursday with Light Up the Runway, a fashion event, and will be followed by a book lecture, dance performance, storytelling event, and staged reading. Events will take place near daily through June 14 at Amphibian Stage and other locations.

Circle Theatre presents Tiny Beautiful Things
A celebration of the simple beauty of being human, Tiny Beautiful Things is a funny, deeply touching, and uplifting play that is an exploration of resilience, based on Cheryl Strayed’s journey as the beloved anonymous advice columnist for “Dear Sugar.” Over the years, thousands of people turned to “Sugar” for words of wisdom, compassion, and hope. Reluctant to claim that she has all the answers, Sugar looks to her own past and draws on her life experiences to bring light, laughter, and humanity to others. The production runs through June 17 at Circle Theatre.

Historic Downtown Isis Theatre presents Greater Tuna
Greater Tuna is a show about the fictional town of Tuna, the "third smallest" town in the state of Texas, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal, and Patsy Cline never dies. Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard, the play is an affectionate comment on small-town, Southern life, and attitudes, but also a withering satire of same. There will be six performances through June 10 at Downtown Cowtown at the Isis.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Concerts In The Garden
The second weekend of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's Concerts in the Garden series will feature four concerts at Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Thursday's concert will be Preservation Hall Jazz Band, performing their brand New Orleans music, followed by Radio Highway Performs the Music of the Eagles on Friday. Saturday is Chicago Nights, featuring Jason Scheff, the long-time lead vocalist for Chicago. The weekend comes to a close with Classical Mystery Tour on Sunday, which features more than two dozen Beatles tunes transcribed note-for-note and performed exactly as they were originally recorded. All concerts will be followed by a drone show.

Friday, June 2

Magnolia at the Modern: The Lost King
In this inspiring true story, amateur historian Philippa Langley believes she has made the archeological find of the century: the lost burial site of King Richard III. She takes on Britain's most eminent historians, forcing them to rethink the legacy of one of the most controversial rulers in English history. The film will screen six times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents An Evening of Kodály, Mozart, and Brahms
Principal Guest Conductor Kevin John Edusei will conduct this special one-night-only concert, the orchestra’s final performance in Bass Performance Hall for the 2022-2023 season, featuring bassoonist Joshua Elmore. Selections will include Kodály's Peacock Variations, Mozart's Bassoon Concerto, and Brahms' Symphony No. 4.

Improv Arlington presents D.L. Hughley
Known for being politically savvy in true comedian-style, D.L. Hughley dives head first into hot-button controversial topics with insightfully sharp observations and his signature rapid-fire jokes. He is known for his sitcom, The Hughleys, as host of his own late night talk show on CNN, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, and as one of the Original Kings of Comedy. He'll perform seven times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.

Rhett Miller in concert
Singer Rhett Miller has a lot of love around Dallas-Fort Worth, both from being the lead singer of Old 97's and from his solo work. Since 2002, he's essentially alternated between the two, releasing eight solo albums - most recently 2022's The Misfit - while still putting out a variety of albums with the Old 97's. He'll play solo at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall.

Kody West in concert
Country singer Kody West is one of the latest in a long line of musicians to come out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Hailing originally from Denton, he gained a loyal following with his 2017 debut album, Green, which led to him serving as the supporting act for artists like Charlie Robison, Whiskey Myers, and Koe Wetzel. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas in support of his 2022 album, Circles.

Saturday, June 3

Arlington Museum of Art openings
Even though it's an art museum, music will be the centerpiece of two new exhibitions at the Arlington Museum of Art. Piggybacking on the recent visit by superstar Taylor Swift, they'll host Taylor Swift: "The Eras Tour Collection," curated by the museum from Swift’s own private collection and featuring original costumes, photographs, and concert videos drawn from her creative periods, or "eras." Also opening is "Girl in a Country Song: Women of Country Music," featuring intimate portraits of female country music legends like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Tanya Tucker, LeAnn Rimes, and others. Both exhibitions will be on display through September 24.

Casa Mañana presents Miss Saigon
In the turmoil of the Vietnam War, Chris, an American soldier, and Kim, a Vietnamese girl, fall in love and marry but are distressingly separated when Saigon falls. As years pass, Chris, remarries and attempts to move on with his life. Kim, however, gives birth to Chris’ son and waits faithfully for Chris’ return. When circumstances bring Chris back to Vietnam, he learns the truth. Miss Saigon is an epic, daring musical that is universal in its emotional power. With legendary actor Lou Diamond Phillips starring as The Engineer, the production runs through June 11 at Casa Mañana Theatre.

Creed Fisher in concert
Country singer Creed Fisher fancies himself a bit of an antihero, with his latest album - 2022's Rebel of the South - featuring a dose of unapologetic poking at the hornet’s nest that he calls "the mainstream country music hypocrisy." The country rock record is Fisher's fifth of his career, one where he's finally saying all the things he wanted to say earlier in his career. He'll play at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall.

Shenandoah in concert
Fueled by Marty Raybon’s distinctive vocals and the band’s skilled musicianship, Shenandoah became well known for delivering such hits as “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on Cumberland Road,” and “Next to You, Next to Me,” as well as such achingly beautiful classics as “I Want to be Loved Like That” and the Grammy-winning “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” duet with Alison Krauss. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.

Sunday, June 4

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Robert Motherwell: "Pure Painting" opening day
Robert Motherwell: "Pure Painting" will be the first presentation in more than a quarter century to fully examine the mastery of Motherwell, a major figure who shaped postwar art. Organized by guest curator Susan Davidson, the exhibition will feature a selection of visually compelling works chosen from throughout the artist’s lengthy and influential career, highlighting the subsequent key series that defined his oeuvre, offering new insights into his evolution as an artist. The exhibition will be on display through September 17.

Photo courtesy of Casa Mañana

Casa Mañana presents Miss Saigon, featuring Lou Diamond Phillips, June 3-11.

Launch your next Texas trip with this essential guide to its biggest cities

Hit the Road

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state itself. At 268,597 square miles, it's a lot to traverse — but luckily there's plenty to see, do, eat, and drink along the way.

No matter what kind of trip you're planning around Texas, Marriott Bonvoy Hotels can be the launchpad for your next travel or culinary adventure. Its hotels and resorts are as diverse as the Lone Star State and offer amazing culinary, spa, and destination experiences in each city.

Plan your next trip from this guide below:

People stand-up paddleboarding in Austin See Austin from the water.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Austin
At a glance: Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is also home to the State Capitol. University of Texas at Austin helps "Keep Austin Weird," but it's also a growing tech hot spot with a vibrant, culinary-focused atmosphere.

Must-see spots: Ladybird Lake, Texas Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Pennybacker Bridge, Blanton Museum, ACL Live at Moody Theater, Rainey Street, UT Austin.

Must-try eats & sips: Head to the new Dean’s Steakhouse Austin at JW Marriott Austin for a special occasion or business dinner, and try the Wagyu beef cuts in addition to an acclaimed raw bar and generous happy hour.

Travel north to Renaissance Austin’s restaurant, Knotty Deck & Bar, for an urban retreat with patio views of the Texas Hill Country. It serves elevated Austin cuisine with a spacious backyard for bean bags and other outdoor games to enjoy with family and friends.

Austin easily features the highest density of rooftop bars in the state, including the popular Zanzibar, a tropical oasis serving up inventive Tiki cocktails. Toast to “golden hour” nightly at Otopia Rooftop Lounge with craft cocktails high above the nearby university.

Must-attend events: SXSW Conference & Festivals (March), Blues on the Green (all summer long), Pride in Local Music Festival (June), Austin City Limits (October), Austin Film Festival (October).

Must-experience vibes: Get your retro music fix with unique vinyl record programs at the Otis Hotel Austin and the W Hotel Austin.

Family at Las Colinas Resort Take the whole fam to Las Colinas Resort.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Dallas-Fort Worth
At a glance: A pair of cities that have undergone true transformation, beginning as cattle hubs and railroad centers and blossoming into Texas' current window to the world with incredible art museums and performing arts centers (the largest arts district in the nation, in fact).

Must-see spots: Dallas Museum of Art, Katy Trail, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Reunion Tower, Fair Park, Meyerson Symphony Center, Kimbell Art Museum, the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts neighborhoods, Mesquite Rodeo Arena, Fort Worth Stockyards, NorthPark Center.

Must-try eats & sips: Dallas’ dining scene is highlighted by Margaret’s, the restaurant at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District that's opening in June. It offers farm-to-fork ingredients in a dramatic setting with sweeping views of the city and a lively bar with handcrafted cocktails from seasoned mixologists.

Head to Uptown Dallas for its sophisticated restaurant, shopping, and boutique fitness scene highlighted by Good Graces in Marriott Uptown Dallas, a bright and airy brasserie where you can indulge in fresh oysters, charcuterie boards, crisp salads, and a variety of steak and seafood dishes.

In the northwest suburb of Irving, visit LAW at Las Colinas Resort to experience the very best of land, air, and water elements, alongside locally sourced ingredients. Mesa Mezcal at the Westin Irving is the spot for modern Mexican fare, curated mezcal cocktails, and YogaRitas on the patio, a partnership series with YogaSix Studio.

Head west to Fort Worth to dine al fresco at 97 West, where a Southwestern ambiance beckons adventurous spirits and serves up classic Texas heritage dishes.

In the heart of Cowtown, experience the convivial dining culture of Central and South America at Toro Toro in the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth. Slip outside afterward to take in a movie on its rooftop deck via a partnership with Rooftop Cinemas, complete with a food truck for snacks and drinks.

Marriott Bonvoy’s restaurants aim to incorporate local and regional breweries in their beverage menus whenever possible, so ask your bartender for his or her favorite brew. Explore DFW's robust brewery scene, from Martin House Brewing Company to Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Celestial Beer Works to Manhattan Project Beer Co., and Peticolas Brewing to Texas Ale Project.

Must-attend events: Dallas Pride Parade (June), Homegrown Music & Arts Festival (June), Riverfront Jazz Fest (September), State Fair of Texas (September-October), Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January-February).

People on rooftop in Houston The best way to see Houston? From a rooftop.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Houston
At a glance: Founded as a bustling commercial center and shipping port in the mid-1800s, with major influence from Charlotte Baldwin, known as the "Mother of Houston," today H-Town is statistically the most diverse major city in Texas with a thriving gastronomic scene, world-class museums, and the Houston Space Center.

Must-see spots: The Museum District (18 institutions within walking distance; includes the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), The Galleria, Houston Aquarium, Buffalo Bayou Park, POST Houston entertainment district, Chinatown, Houston Graffiti Park, Discovery Green, Houston Zoo.

Must-try eats & sips: Located inside the Magnolia Houston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is The Dispatch, which pays homage to its building’s rich history as the home of the Houston Post-Dispatch paper. The Art Deco vibes complement the eatery’s contemporary American cuisine and enticing cocktails.

After a day of shopping at The Galleria mall, stop by White Oak Kitchen + Drinks for a collection of fresh ingredients, a curated wine and cocktail menu, and weekend brunch.

Explore Houston’s culinary melting pot with an experience at Xin Chao, a modern Vietnamese restaurant owned by MasterChef winner Christina Ha. Locals also hail Killen’s BBQ as some of the best in the state.

Houston visitors will also find food trucks dotted around the city, offering inventive cuisine with global fusion showcasing Houston’s diversity.

Must-attend events: Freedom Over Texas Festival (July), Houston Restaurant Week (August), Fiestas Patrias (September 2023), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (February-March).

Must-experience vibes: Stay cool in the Houston heat this summer by diving into the city's best urban party playground: the iconic, Texas-shaped lazy river at the Altitude Rooftop & Pool at Marriott Marquis Houston.

It's always a party on the San Antonio River Walk.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

San Antonio
At a glance: Remember the Alamo! Explore San Antonio’s famed River Walk or journey further south to the San Antonio Missions National Park, where some of the Lone Star State's most pivotal moments occurred. Northwest of the city, treat your family to a thrill at world-class amusement parks.

Discover the emerging arts and culinary scene while touring historic, trendy neighborhoods like the impressive King William District, dotted with colonial mansions, and Dignowity Hill, sporting the Hays Street Bridge and a deep-rooted sense of community.

Must-see spots: The Alamo, the San Antonio Missions, River Walk, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Zoo, Southtown, Brackenridge Park, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Historic Pearl Brewery, Tower of the Americas, La Villita, Market Square.

Must-try eats: Check out incredible South Texas fare on the River Walk such as Tributary restaurant in the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, with seasonally rotating menus and ingredients sourced from regional farming partners and purveyors.

Escape to the Texas Hill Country at 18 Oaks for an outstanding quality of meats and seafood prepared with style and expertise, ideally enjoyed after a day of golf at TPC San Antonio or a splashy time at the nine-acre waterpark at the JW San Antonio Hill Country Resort.

Take the kids or pups and head to the Historic Pearl Brewery, where you'll find everything from upscale bistros to an array of dining choices inside the Food Hall at Bottling Dept. Enjoy a picnic on the green spaces and a family-favorite splash pad while taking in the quaint European vibes in this special area of Alamo City.

Must-sip drinks: Visit the new 1 Watson rooftop deck atop the AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk for downtown views and a cocktail or two by a fire pit.

Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Gather at Knotty Deck & Bar in Austin.

Hop on the city’s shared bike or scooter systems to explore local-favorite breweries and coffee shops such as Merit Coffee, Freetail Brewing, Weathered Souls Brewing, and Alamo Beer Co.

Must-attend events: Fiesta San Antonio (April), Pride San Antonio (June), Día de los Muertos (November), San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (February).

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Marriott Bonvoy member benefits include free membership, special member rates, ability to earn and redeem points, contactless mobile and contactless service, free WiFi, and more.

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